Historically, Waggaz are Australia’s most basic utilitarian quilts. Simply constructed using available materials such as hessian bags, old clothes and tailors’ samples, they were made by thrifty folk with a need to keep warm. Like the use of feed sacks in America, Waggas are the Australian version of domestic ‘economy’ where men and women of urban and rural Australia set to, to make do. Not many Waggaz survive as they tend to be used until threadbare. From warming quilts many have ended up as dog blankets or packing sheets - they were used until they were no longer useful! Here I introduce you to a contemporary recipe to make your own Wagga. Ideally you will use what fabric you have on hand, perhaps using upholstery samples as I have? I encourage and applaud your thrift!
